AASLD 2016: The Liver Meeting – Lucinda K. Porter, RN

Vaccination against hepatitis A and B is recommended for people with chronic liver disease (CLD). This retrospective study examined medical records of 300 people with CLD from 2013 through 2014. They identified patients who did not appear to be immune to hep A and/or hep B. Hep A vaccine was recommended in 35%; hepatitis B vaccine in 36% patients. Of these, 12% forgot to get it, 33% didn’t recall being advised, and 55% gave no specific reason as to why they didn’t get vaccinated.

Conclusion:The rate of hepatitis A and B immunization in patients with chronic liver disease needs to be improved.

Editorial Comments: Immunization is a basic, cost-effective, and necessary way to protect people from diseases. It’s discouraging to think that people with CLD aren’t getting their hep A and B vaccinations.

Lucinda K. Porter, RN, is a long-time contributor to the HCV Advocate and author of “Free from Hepatitis C” and “Hepatitis C One Step at a Time.” She blogs at www.LucindaPorterRN.com and HepMag.com